2011-23807. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the Agency's function; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Generic Clearance for Medicaid and CHIP State Plan, Waiver, and Program Submissions; Use: CMS is requesting a generic PRA clearance for a body of forms necessary to conduct ongoing business with State partners in the implementation of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Examples of the types of forms to be produced in this collection include State plan amendment templates, waiver and demonstration templates, and reporting templates. The development of streamlined submission forms is critical for States to implement timely health reform initiatives in Medicaid and CHIP state plans, demonstrations, and waivers, including legislative requirements enacted by the Affordable Care Act. The development of streamlined submissions forms enhances the collaboration and partnership between States and CMS by documenting CMS policy for States to use as they are developing program changes. Streamlined forms improve efficiency of administration by creating a common and user-friendly understanding of the information needed by CMS to quickly process requests for State plan amendments, waivers, and demonstration, as well as ongoing reporting.; Form Number: CMS-10398 (OMB #0938-NEW); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 56; Total Annual Responses: 1120; Total Annual Hours: 28,747. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Candice Payne at 410-786-4453. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS Web Site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995,, or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on October 17, 2011. OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail].

Dated: September 13, 2011.

Martique Jones,

Director, Regulations Development Group, Division B, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.